Canberra Covid: What new ACT business restrictions mean during lockdown

From Saturday, a range of new measures and restrictions will come into effect for businesses across the territory, many focused at essential businesses that have been able to operate in some capacity during the first stage of the ACT's lockdown.

Here's what you need to know about the restrictions.

New measures will see essential businesses that have been open during the lockdown be forced into operating only for click and collect or deliveries.

The changes apply to all businesses that sell hardware and building supplies, agricultural and rural supplies, pet stores as well as stores that predominantly sell office supplies.

The measures were enacted after 19,000 Canberrans checked into Bunnings stores across the ACT in a single day during the lockdown, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said in his daily press conference.

An ACT government spokesman said the changes were to ensure the continued safety of the community.

Only tradespeople will be able to enter hardware and building supply stores in person while the measures are in effect.

The businesses will remain open, but you can only get supplies from those stores if you order online and then either pick it up in person or have it delivered to your home.

The click and collect and delivery options will also be made available to other businesses who haven't been able to operate due to the lockdown restrictions.

Non-essential small businesses and Canberra retail businesses can operate as click and collect, but only if there are no more than two people inside the businesses at any time. Those measures will apply to local businesses who have 20 or fewer full-time equivalent staff members.

All other non-essential businesses who have not been able to operate can have two people enter the site for emergency purposes.

It also extends to maintenance work, accepting deliveries that can't be delayed or diverted, or to provide urgent services such as payroll.

Real estate has been among some of the industries that have been affected by the lockdown.

While open homes and auctions are still not able to be held in person for the time being, there have been some changes for the sector that come into effect on Saturday.

The new guidelines include the provision for one person to conduct a property inspection that is required by law in order for a home sale to go ahead.

One person may also be allowed into a home in order to film or take photos, but only when no one else is at the home.

Regular house inspections and open homes are still not permitted, unless they take place online.

Gyms won't be allowed to reopen to the public under the new lockdown rules.

However, new rules will allow provisions for online exercise classes to go ahead more smoothly.

Places including gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, wellness centres and dance studios will be allowed to have two people at one time enter the site in order to film or livestream exercise classes to members.

New changes will also allow for commercial and domestic cleaning services to operate again in Canberra.

The changes will only allow for businesses that require urgent cleaning, such as end of lease cleans, as well as cleaning for vulnerable people in the community, such as NDIS clients.

Waste drop-off points will be able to reopen to the public during the lockdown, but with additional safety measures in place.

They include the Resource Management Centres in Mitchell and Symonston, as well as the soft landing mattress disposal in Hume and the Hume green waste drop-off, which will all reopen on Saturday.

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The green waste drop-off point at Parkwood Road will reopen on Monday.

However, The Green Shed at both Mugga Lane and Mitchell will remain closed.

While the centres are open to the public again during the lockdown, health authorities have urged Canberrans to only use the waste drop-offs if it is essential.

It comes after reports of illegal rubbish dumping rising during the lockdown along roadsides and at charity stores. City Services Minister Chris Steel said drivers entering the drop-off points will not be allowed to exit their cars unless they are at a designated drop-off point. Other safety measures such QR code check-ins, contactless payments and designated lanes at drop-off points have also been enacted.

"As a result of these safety requirements, visitors should expect delays such as queues and longer wait times," Mr Steel said. "We ask Canberrans to be patient and consider visiting the drop-off facilities at quieter times."

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